Allegiant adds 3 cities to airport's destinations

Iftikhar Ahmad knows how to get the governor’s attention and the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation did it again Tuesday with the announcement of another low cost airline bringing service to Green Airport.

Just six days after Norwegian Airlines announced it would commence flights this fall to the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, the news media and officials were back at Green to hear Allegiant will commence twice weekly flights to Punta Gorda Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Cincinnati beginning in September with one-way fares as low as $38.

While the governor’s attention is one thing, it’s the attention of the airlines that is making the headlines and opening Rhode Island to new destinations. As of this fall, Norwegian will be offering nonstop flights to a total of eight international destinations. In addition, Frontier has selected Green to enter the New England market with direct flights to Orlando and Denver and now Allegiant is joining the parade.

Brian Davis, Allegiant’s vice president for marketing, said the airline was attracted to Green by Ahmad’s “focus on operating a low cost airport.” Efficient operations and low costs, he said, would enable Allegiant to make a profit.

Further, as it became obvious Tuesday, Davis knows Ahmad from New Orleans where Ahmad played a key role in building service and passenger traffic. Ahmad’s track record is what made him the preferred candidate for the post when Kelly Fredericks left to head Ontario International Airport outside Los Angeles last spring.

“We’re getting into a groove here,” Gov. Gina Raimondo said addressing a room filled with tourism industry personnel and the news media. Looking at Ahmad she continued, “You’ve done exactly what you said you were going to do.” Raimondo said Ahmad is bringing ultra-low cost fares to Rhode Island to the benefit of residents and both small and large businesses.

“This is great for everyday Rhode Islanders,” she said. Raimondo pointed out the state has invested in the infrastructure of the airport, observing that Ahmad has announced nonstop service to 13 new destinations in the last three months.

“It’s undeniable that we have the momentum,” she said.

David said the airlines would be operating the Airbus 320 with 177 seats from Green with the possibility of introducing its new 187-seat Airbus if the demand merits it. Flights to Punta Gorda and the Fort Myers area begins Sept. 28 followed by the St. Pete-Clearwater or Tampa Bay area on Oct. 27. Flights to Cincinnati are to start on Nov. 17. According to a release, Allegiant is also offering travelers savings on rental cars, hotels and activity and attraction tickets. As a means of introducing its entry into the local market, Allegiant has launched a sweepstakes offering the chance to win free tickets for a year to any destination the airline services until 5 p.m. today. Contest entries and information is available on Sunseeker.Allegiant.Com.

Davis said the runway extension currently under construction was not a factor in the airline’s decision to come to Rhode Island. The more than 1,500-foot extension will give Green an 8,700-foot runway. The extension is projected to be completed by Aug. 15, enabling its use for takeoffs and fully functional by December.

Also, Davis expects the airline will share counter and gate space with another airline, although he could not say which one. He viewed the sharing of space as an example of an efficiently operated airport that can hold down costs for carriers.

“We don’t need exclusive space,” he said.

Representing the city, City Council President Joseph Solomon said, “I’ve never seen such accelerated positive progression.” He said Allegiant’s profitability is reflective of good business decisions and that see opportunity in Rhode Island.

RIAC board chairman Jonathan Savage said Allegiant’s decision is evidence of their confidence in Rhode Island and “hopefully many more will follow. It’s a feel good time in the state of Rhode Island.”